Our Impact
Expanding research
Since 2007, ISF has contributed millions to expand research and treatment and support affected families. Partnering with Atrium Health and Levine Children’s Hospital, ISF funded clinical trials, developmental therapeutics, and a top-tier MIBG therapy suite—one of 20 nationwide.
In 2020, the Isabella Santos Rare & Solid Tumor Program launched with Levine Cancer Institute, aspiring to be a global hub for children with solid tumors and rare cancers.
Fueled by Isabella ♥ Years of Impact
2005
Isabella Santos is born.
2007
Isabella is diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at age 2.
2008
1st Annual ISF 5K for Kids Cancer is held, raising $7,000.
2012
Isabella Santos passes away at age 7 after five relapses.
2013-2014
ISF expands its fundraising efforts to support early-stage research for all rare pediatric cancers.
2014-2015
Continues to launch new programs providing critical support for families in Charlotte, NC.
2016
Funds national initiatives, including Frontline MIBG Therapy Trial, Circulating Tumor DNA Project, HU348 Clinical Trial, SADA Drug Delivery Platform & Project Every Child Study.
2017
Funds DFMO Pilot Clinical Trial led by Dr. Giselle Sholler.
2018
The ISF MIBG Treatment Suite opens at Levine Children’s Hospital – 1 of only 20 in the U.S. – after making a $1M investment.
2019
ISF commits $5M to fund the ISF Rare & Solid Tumor Program, the first of its kind in the region, at Levine Children’s Hospital.
2019
The Isabella Santos OneBlood Donation Center opens in Ballantyne.
2020
ISF Rare & Solid Tumor Program launches at Levine Children’s.
2020
World-renowned researcher Dr. Giselle Sholler joins the ISF Rare & Solid Tumor program.
2020
Solid tumor patient volume doubles at Levine Children’s Hospital.
2021
ISF’s cumulative impact surpasses $13M and makes its first $1M donation.
2021
The Live My Dreams Program launches at Levine Children’s Hospital.
2021
Funds the TINKS Trial with Live Like Madison and Move for Jenn and the P.E.A.C.H. Protocol for neuroblastoma/DIPG clinical trials.
2022
ISF’s cumulative impact surpasses $14M, and donates $1.42M to support over 88 local families.
2022
Expands the PEACH Protocol to include an osteosarcoma arm and commits to fund all precision medicine within the program.
2022
Funds new roles at Levine Children’s Hospital, including pediatric cancer research nurses, social workers, nutritionists and more.
2023
ISF’s cumulative impact surpasses $15M, supporting families from 20+ countries who travel to Charlotte for care.
2024
ISF’s cumulative impact surpasses $16M and launches the TORCH Initiative, setting a bold $2M annual goal.
2025
ISF announces six hospital recipients to receive TORCH funding for clinical research, basic science and survivorship programs.
2025
Annual Gala raises $853,000 — the highest to date — and ISF media exposure reaches 1.34 million views.
2026 & Beyond
ISF continues expanding TORCH partnerships, deepening research investment and uniting more donors to transform outcomes for rare cancer heroes.
Over $16M Raised to Support Our Mission
Hired Top Research Oncologists
Doubled the Solid Tumor Patient Volume
Treated Patients Traveling Worldwide from 24+ Countries
Opened Pediatric Cancer Research Lab at Levine’s Children’s Hospital
Numerous Clinical Trials + Rare Cancer Studies Funded
The Isabella Santos Foundation Rare & Solid Tumor Program Opened in July 2020
Live My Dreams Program
BRINGING THEIR WISHES TO LIFE
The cost of childhood cancer extends far beyond hospital stays and chemotherapy.
Powered by ISF, the Live My Dreams giving program is at the heart of our mission, providing critical resources to support the various challenges faced by families affected by cancer.
Through our valued partnerships with other nonprofits, we aim to contribute to the holistic well-being of these families.
Donations to the Live My Dreams giving program will help fund a myriad of family needs beyond cancer treatment.
These may include counseling services, dental care, hearing aids, scholarships and engaging activities.
ISF remains committed to supporting organizations that were instrumental in fulfilling many of Isabella’s dreams.
ISF Scholarship Program
Established in 2017, the ISF Scholarship Program was created to further our commitment to fighting rare childhood cancer. Each year, we award scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are currently facing a cancer diagnosis or have made a meaningful impact on our mission. Applications are due by May 1.
“Because of the Isabella Santos Foundation, we have HOPE. I can’t express how thankful we are for the opportunities ISF is providing for us and for all they are doing and have done to provide better treatment options for my baby. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating and for being the reason I get to spend another day with my daughter.”
Michala R.
Mother of Kyle, Neuroblastoma Warrior
“In 2019, our world was turned upside down. During Merritt’s cancer journey ISF has always been there for us, whether it was something we need, a message just to say “we are praying for you” or “just checking on y’all”, Rachel being in clinic one day with us and jumped right in to help us clean up after Merritt got sick and even specifically funding rhabdomyosarcoma research in honor of Merritt. ISF has had our backs.”
Aaron P.
Father of Merritt, Rhabdomyosarcoma Warrior
Your support makes these initiatives possible, bringing hope and light to families facing the darkest of days.
Join us in our mission to help children with cancer live their dreams.
Live My Dreams Collaborators
ISF has also awarded educational scholarships to several local high school students, aiding them in pursuing their dreams.